Graduate students in the Lewis Lab pursing a doctoral degree are typically funded by an R.A. (Research Assistantship) for the majority of their graduate studies. Well qualified students may receive an additional $5,000 annually on top of the regular RA award. For prospective students thinking about attending graduate school, graduate students are usually paid by one of two ways; an R.A. (Research Assistantship) or a T.A. (Teaching Assistantship). As a Teaching Assistant, students have to spend around 20 hours a week as an undergraduate lab instructor. As a Research Assistant you are free to spend your time pursuing your research. It is nice to have an R.A. as a graduate student and students in the Lewis Lab are usually supported in this manner.